After nearly a decade of calling Malaysia home, iconic panda couple Fu Wa and Feng Yi will soon be packing their bamboo and heading back to China this May.
According to Harian Metro, the bittersweet news was announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).
He stated that the decision follows a new agreement signed between the Malaysian and Chinese governments during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia last week.
Under the agreement, Malaysia will receive a new pair of giant pandas for a 10-year period from 2024 to 2035.
Quarantine underway
As part of the preparation for their departure, Fu Wa and Feng Yi began their quarantine at Zoo Negara’s Giant Panda Conservation Centre (GPCC) on 18 April.
The process ensures they are in good health, meet international permit requirements, and undergo crate training to familiarise themselves with the upcoming flight.
During this period, the public will not be able to view the pandas up close. However, they will still be visible from the GPCC learning centre at certain times.
Special farewell programmes planned
To mark their farewell, Zoo Negara has lined up several programmes throughout the quarantine period to give Malaysians a chance to celebrate the pandas’ time in the country.
This includes a farewell message board, meet-and-greet sessions with the panda keepers, documentary screenings, and writing and drawing contests.
Fu Wa and Feng Yi have been in Malaysia since 21 May 2014, and have had three cubs together — Nuan Nuan, Yi Yi, and Sheng Yi — all of whom have been returned to China, with the most recent departure being Yi Yi and Sheng Yi in August 2023.
New pandas arriving in August
NRES also stated that Zoo Negara will upgrade facilities and exhibitions at the GPCC during the pandas’ absence in preparation for the arrival of the new panda pair in August 2024.
The ministry described the ongoing panda collaboration as a symbol of the strong friendship between Malaysia and China, and a reflection of Malaysia Madani values such as sustainability, compassion, and cooperation in conservation diplomacy.
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